Best hotels in Columbia
Marriott Columbia
1200 Hampton Street, SC 29201
With a choice of cozy rooms and spacious suites, this Downtown hotel exudes comfort and promises a great location. Plush beds, flat-screen TVs and modern furnishings await, while some rooms include private balconies overlooking the city. Relax and unwind in the indoor pool or indulge in contemporary southern delights at the onsite restaurant.
Hilton Columbia Center
924 Senate St, SC 29201
In the Congaree Vista neighborhood, this stylish hotel is conveniently placed for exploring Columbia’s top attractions, including South Carolina State Museum. Choose a room overlooking the outdoor pool or treat yourself to a deluxe suite. The onsite restaurant serves prime steaks and fresh seafood, in its upscale dining room.
Hotel Trundle
1224 Taylor Street, SC 29201
Immerse yourself in Columbia’s history and creativity, without leaving your hotel. Admire locally produced furnishings and contemporary artwork, alongside exposed brick walls and wooden beams from the original Main Street buildings, dating back to the early 1900s. This boutique hotel includes little luxuries like bath amenities and coffee machines in every room.
Best restaurants in Columbia
Saluda’s Restaurant
751 Saluda Avenue, SC 29205
What was once the officers club for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, this grand hall beautifully blends old and new with its Victorian mahogany bar and lively atmosphere. Make a reservation to experience global flavors, with a Southern twist – think buffalo fried oysters and chipotle glazed pork chops.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
920 Gervais Street, SC 29201
With a daily-changing menu of the freshest local produce, each visit to Motor Supply Co. is unique. Expect mouthwatering creations, including farm-to-fork salads, crispy pork belly and a fusion of classic dishes, like South Carolina shrimp with Congaree grits.
Cola’s Restaurant
1215 Assembly Street, SC 29201
The laidback atmosphere of this restored 1930’s RC Cola bottling plant is the perfect spot for a steak or seafood dinner. Settle into a leather booth and sample the signature crispy flounder, drizzled in sweet apricot shallot sauce. Save room for cinnamon bread pudding when you’ve devoured the main course.
Best attractions in Columbia
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
500 Wildlife Parkway, SC 29210
Home to more than 2,000 animals from across the globe, Riverbanks Zoo is the ultimate family day out. Meet koalas and kangaroos, feed giraffes, and watch lions prowl across the zoo’s savanna. Discover more than 4,200 species of plants in the Botanical Garden and make a splash in Waterfall Junction.
Soda City Market
1300-1600 Main Street, SC 29201
Stop by Main Street’s Soda City Market on Saturdays where you’ll find 150 local artists, artisans and food vendors. Tuck into international cuisine and browse the stalls for gifts and souvenirs, including handmade soap, leather goods and beautiful ceramics.
Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road, SC 29061
Explore more than 25 miles of hiking trails through giant hardwood trees and towering pines when you drive south east out of the city to Congaree National Park. Stroll around the boardwalk or try your hand at canoeing in Cedar Creek. Visit during May or June to witness the breathtaking display of fireflies lighting up the woods.